The first time we encounter Henry, he is "absurd in his minstrel garb." How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

Created: 08/22/13

Replies: 7

Posted Aug. 22, 2013
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davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 1411

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The first time we encounter Henry, he is "absurd in his minstrel garb." How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

Clothing is important throughout "Queen's Gambit". The first time we encounter Henry, he is "absurd in his minstrel garb." How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

Posted Sep. 02, 2013
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lisag

Join Date: 01/12/12

Posts: 298

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RE: The first time we encounter Henry, he is "absurd in his minstrel garb." How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

I believe he was fooling himself into thinking he looked handsome and amusing in the Costume and far be it from the court to disagree with him. The incident shows how deluded he could be - though at other times he realized his folly - and perhaps his knowledge he could do as he pleased in his Court.

Posted Sep. 03, 2013
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kathleenr

Join Date: 12/07/12

Posts: 68

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RE: The first time we encounter Henry, he is &quot;absurd in his minstrel garb.&quot; How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

Henry when young was truly handsome and apparently a wonderful dancer. With the help of his court he deluded himself about more than his appearance. His delusions had to be preserved at all costs. The saddest delusion was the idea that he was still virile. The scenes where Katherine is forced to endure abuse as he attempts to impregnate her are the natural outgrowth of his delusions. And they were hard to read.

Posted Sep. 04, 2013
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irisf

Join Date: 01/16/12

Posts: 99

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RE: The first time we encounter Henry, he is "absurd in his minstrel garb." How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

Henry appeared to be a buffoon and the fact that those at court had to pretend to be surprised at his identity only played up how his every whim had to be indulged. This is another indication of how entitled he thought he was. His every action is that of a spoiled two year old who was never denied anything. It's no wonder he could dispose of people without any sense of regret. He thought the world was created to indulge him in every way

Posted Sep. 04, 2013
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terri

Join Date: 04/11/12

Posts: 102

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RE: The first time we encounter Henry, he is "absurd in his minstrel garb." How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

That part of the book painted Henry a ridiculous figurehead. I can't imagine he really thought the others didn't know who he was.

Posted Sep. 09, 2013
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judym

Join Date: 10/29/11

Posts: 22

RE: The first time we encounter Henry, he is &quot;absurd in his minstrel garb.&quot; How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

Because of the various descriptions of Henry's look as an older man, and his believing that by dressing in these over the top costumes , he could fool his court - I at times was unable to keep focused on the power and cruelty that could be wielded by Henry.

Posted Sep. 12, 2013
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terri

Join Date: 04/11/12

Posts: 102

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RE: The first time we encounter Henry, he is "absurd in his minstrel garb." How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

Just the thought that the king could fool people and that everyone actually played along is absurd.

Posted Sep. 18, 2013
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barbarae

Join Date: 04/22/11

Posts: 7

RE: The first time we encounter Henry, he is "absurd in his minstrel garb." How does this color your impression of him? Why does Henry wear this costume?

At this point in time, Henry is a sad, obese old man who is trying desperately to recapture his youth and virility. You feel somewhat sorry for him but he's almost more embarrassing than any thing else. A grotesque caricature of the virile king of his youth.